Porsche-BMW Challenge Autocross Dec. 13

[Dan Shields]

Is BMW the "Ultimate Driving Machine", or is there "No Substitute" for Porsche? That question will be debated once again at the 4th Annual Suncoast Region Porsche-BMW Challenge Autocross, on Sunday, December 13 at the Zephyrhills Airport, to be followed by a January BMW club event in Brooksville.
The Bert Smith Euro Collection and new Porsche Sales Manager Mike O'Donnell will generously provide coffee, lunch and refreshments for all participants in Zephyrhills. Since Bert Smith also handles the BMW line, the event is a great opportunity to support the club and build relationships with some of the most enthusiastic owners of both brands.
The autocross will feature the club's new jumbo electronic timing display. As each driver crosses the finish line, their time will be displayed on the big board. The new equipment is one of several new acquisitions by Chairman Ralph Carr and assistant Mark Lasota, designed to enhance the overall operation and appearance of the autocrosses. Lasota has been working on a course design that should be fun for all drivers.
The annual home-and-away autocross series is known for great competition. The BMW club won the trophy in 2006, but the Porsche club has held the trophy for the last two years. The usual competition classes are offered, with scoring for the Porsche-BMW Challenge Trophy based on the average or total times turned by the drivers from each marque. Times of novice drivers are normally not included, so a new driver doesn't have to worry about hurting the team's chances.
The event is open to any licensed driver, in any car that can pass the basic safety inspection, although it is more fun if you are driving a Porsche! No special equipment is required except for a Snell approved (2000 or 2005) helmet. The club has a couple of loaner helmets. Instructors and lots of free advice will be available. Entry fee is still only $20 for Porsche and BMW drivers and club members, $30 for others. On-site Registration opens at 8 a.m.. A mandatory drivers meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.
The Suncoast Region is among the most active regions in PCA, and the December 13 event is part of a very busy weekend for the club. Driver Education events are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Sebring, and the Suncoast Porsche dealership has invited all Porsche owners to "Porsches in the Park" on St. Armands Circle on Saturday. Saturday evening brings the Suncoast Region PCA's Holiday Gala at the University Park Country Club in Sarasota, where our hosts are making their luxurious locker rooms available to PCA members going directly from one event to the next. At the Sunday morning autocross, the coffee and doughnuts to be provided by Bert Smith should be welcomed, especially by those who were at the banquet the night before.
For questions contact Danny Shields, FastDan5@aol.com